Autumn in Hong Kong is a glorious season, bringing respite
from the relentless humidity that smothers the city for most of the year.

Cool enough not to sweat profusely yet still warm outside
at night, the climate is ideal for camping. Add Hong Kong's accessible beaches
and convenient equipment rental spots into the mix, and a night spent in the
great outdoors becomes hassle-free -- even for visitors.

Near Sai
Kung, a town in the far northeast reaches of the territory, clear
water, soft sand and green mountains make it hard to believe you are just an
hour away from Hong Kong’s bustling city centre. A subway journey followed by a
short taxi ride takes you into the heart of Sai Kung East Country Park,
one of Hong Kong's biggest and most beautiful green lungs. After alighting from
your cab at the end of Sai Kung Sai Wan Road, start from the trailhead at the park’s
Sai Wan pavilion and hike for about
5km along the MacLehose
Trail. You'll pass the small village of Sai Wan where you can refuel with a
snack or a drink, but continue along the clearly signposted, paved path until you
reach Ham Tin Beach (find step-by-step directions here). The beachfront
Hoi Fung Restaurant (852-6190-6593) rents out tents, sleeping bags and camping mats
for the night at incredibly reasonable prices. On a recent night, the beach was
dotted with makeshift bonfires and strains of music from portable speakers, as
groups of friends and families strolled by the water. The restaurant also
offers speedboat service back to the town of Sai Kung for 120 Hong Kong dollars.

On Lantau Island, west of Hong Kong Island, are two
other idyllic seaside camping spots. Lantau's relatively few residents, as well
as its swaths of undeveloped verdant mountains and clean beaches, mean that
it's an ideal and accessible getaway. Plus, the island is home to Hong Kong's
endangered population of water buffalo, who can often be seen lumbering along
the beach. Along Lantau's south shore is on Pui O beach, where events space Ooh-La
La (852-2984-8710) has more than 200 tents for rent
and a private campsite behind their restaurant. Further west, a lovely stretch
of sand called Cheung Sha Wan is home to two other camping sites. Palm Beach
(852-2980-4822) has quirky accommodation in the form of teepees, as
well as plush safari tents that sleep six
and are kitted out with air mattresses, bedding sets and a table and chairs. Neighbouring
Long Coast Seasports
(852-8104-6222) rents both small and roomy tents with different degrees of
furnishing -- some even have air-conditioning -- as well as an array of water
sports equipment including kayaks, bodyboards and skimboards.